Notes from an entrepreneur with a passion for web technology & innovation

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ4/TZ5 announced

I’ve been looking for a new camera for a while now. It’s probably a well-known dillema: will I buy one now or wait till a new version comes out? The problem with technology and gadgets is that there will always be a new version with improved features within a year after you’ve bought yours. So, at a certain moment you should just decide to buy one. Easier said than done, I know.

I considered buying the Panasonic DMC-TZ3, which I think is an excellent camera for a very competitive price. I did realise however that the camera has been on the market for almost a year. So, chances are good that a followup will be announced early 2008. Every once in a while I googled for DMC-TZ4 (which I thought would be a logical name for the TZ3 successor). Finally, when I asked google again today, I found Panasonic’s announcement of the TZ4 and TZ5!

The specs of these compact ultra-zoom cameras are pretty impressive:

Lumix DMC-TZ4

8.1 effective Megapixel CCD

F3.3-4.9, 10X optical zoom lens, equivalent to 28 – 280 mm

Optical image stabilization

Compact body (by ultra zoom standards)

2.5″ LCD display with 230,000 pixels with auto brightness adjustment

Uses new Venus Engine IV image processor

Point-and-shoot operation

New Intelligent Exposure mode brightens over and underexposed areas of
photos automatically

Intelligent (auto) scene selection mode

Records widescreen movies at 848 x 480 (30 fps) with sound

50MB onboard memory + SD/SDHC/MMC card slot

Comes in silver and black

Uses proprietary li-ion battery; 330 shots per charge

USB 2.0 High Speed supported

Shipping in late March for $299

Lumix DMC-TZ5 is differs from the TZ4 with:

9.1 effective Megapixel CCD

3-inch LCD display with 460,000 pixels

Digital Redeye Correction removes redeye while photos are taken

Can record movies at 1280 x 720 / 30 fps (720p) with sound

300 shots per charge

Comes in blue, black, and silver

Priced at $349

The TZ5 is high on my wishlist. Both models will be available in late March 2008.